First Ever Appearance of Martial God of Wealth at River HongBao 2012

River HongBao 2012 (21-29 Jan 2012)Lighting up the modern cityscape of Marina Bay in a customary celebration of Chinese New Year. In a city where East meets West and modernity meets tradition, it’s an experience that bridges the past and the present.

There are performances every night (Check the timing here for different day), so you can plan your day there.

This year River Hongbao 2012 features an awe-inspiring display of over 70 giant lanterns, including lights in the form of the auspicious dragon, handcrafted by lantern masters from Chengdu.

And for the first time ever, River Hongbao 2012 features a collaboration with performers from Guanxi. Catch the troupe during their 5-day signature show Liu San Jie(刘三姐), a legend of the Zhuang people. You’re also invited to immerse yourself in the Guangxi folk dance, take part in a bamboo dance, lantern riddles, and more.

With chefs from Guangxi cooking up all kinds of authentic delicacies, artists demonstrating traditional art and handicraft, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in age-old traditions from China, right in the heart of a cosmopolitan melting pot.

This Taoist concept is thought to date back to the Ming Dynasty, when the Fu Star, Lu Star and Shou Star were considered to be personified deities of these attributes respectively. The term is commonly used in Chinese culture to denote the three attributes of a good life. Statues of these three gods are found in nearly every Chinese home and many Chinese-owned shops on small altars with a glass of water, an orange or other auspicious offerings, especially during Chinese New Year.

Traditionally, they are arranged right to left (so Fu is on the right of the viewer, Lu in the middle, and Shou on the far left).

The Sound of Spring!!!

Me and HP decided to do our own cam-whore with timer setting.

First ever appearance of the Martial God of Wealth!!!

Guess why were the visitors crowding under the statue, some with umbrella?They are collecting "Gold" that was sprinkle out from the statue. It was actually small gold coloured paper in fact. Chinese believed that the "Gold" will bring them good luck!!!

The stage performances with lot of viewers

So if you wanna grab good seats, please be there early!(Check the timing here for different day)

There was a Wishing Pond for people to toss a coin into the pond and make a wish.Chinese believe by tossing a coin to the pond and making a wish, their wish will come true.

A lot of Chinese gathered around the pond and toss their coin and making their wishes.

They have to aim their coin to hit the bell! I managed to hit it on my 2nd try!It was quite fun!!!

And this year is the year of the DRAGON of cause!So I will feature Mr Dragon's photo bigger amongst the other Zodiac animals!!!

Happy Dragon Year to all!!!

If you wanna visit River Ang Bao 2012, it is till this Sun (29 Jan 2012)! So HURRY!!!